Politics | Barack Obama Palin, Obama Share Suits of Teflon Wary of sexism charges, Dem counts on media to do his dirty work By Gabriel Winant Posted Sep 5, 2008 11:35 AM CDT Copied Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., speaks at a rally at Buchanan Park in Lancaster, Pa., Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Barack Obama’s campaign is treading carefully around Sarah Palin. Lacking a “silver bullet” to use against her, and concerned about being called sexist, Obama likely will “keep his focus largely on John McCain,” reports Politico. The Obama camp anticipates that the reporters who’ve worked over his record will reveal Palin’s weak points as well, and show her to be too extreme for voters. Obama can’t pounce on Palin without inviting accusations of sexism, notes Time. Saving most of his attention for McCain, Obama is relying on surrogates to criticize Palin—especially female surrogates. This is the kind of delicate situation Obama understands well, because his own experience with racial politics mirrors Palin’s with gender. The two wear "a similar coat of Teflon.” Read These Next News outlets parse the fatal shooting in Minneapolis. They saw skulls in his car, found 'horror movie' in his home. Patrick Swayze's younger brother dies at 63. House passes ACA subsidies extension with GOP votes. Report an error